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RISK FACTORS
No one knows the exact causes of prostate cancer.
Doctors often cannot explain why one man develops prostate cancer and
another does not. However, we do know that prostate cancer is not
contagious. You cannot "catch" it from another person. Research has
shown that men with certain risk factors are more likely than others
to develop prostate cancer. A risk factor is something that may
increase the chance of developing a disease.
Studies have found the following risk factors for prostate cancer:
a Age: Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. This disease
is rare in men younger than 45. The chance of getting it goes up
sharply as a man gets older. In the United States, most men with
prostate cancer are older than 65.
a Family history: A man's risk is higher if his father or brother had
prostate cancer.
a Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in
white men, including Hispanic white men. It is less common in Asian
and American Indian men.
a Certain prostate changes: Men with cells called high-grade prostatic
intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may be at increased risk for prostate
cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.
a Diet: Some studies suggest that men who eat a diet high in animal
fat or meat may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Men who eat
a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk. (More
about diet studies is in "The Promise of Cancer Research" on page 31.)
Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family
history, cannot be avoided. You can help protect yourself by staying
away from known risk factors whenever possible. Scientists have also
studied whether BPH, obesity, smoking, a virus passed through sex, or
lack of exercise might increase the risk for prostate cancer. At this
time, these are not clear risk factors. Also, most studies have not
found an increased risk of prostate cancer for men who have had a
vasectomy. A vasectomy is surgery to cut or tie off the tubes that
carry sperm out of the testicles. Most men who have known risk factors
do not get prostate cancer. On the other hand, men who do get the
disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing older. If
you think you may be at risk, you should talk with your doctor. Your
doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and can plan a
schedule for checkups.
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